National Brass Band Championships at Royal Albert Hall

The Championship Section National Final of the “National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain” returns to the Hall this autumn, where it has been held since 1945. Often dubbed the brass banding equivalent of the Football League, the UK’s finest bands will compete for the prestigious National title, and this year’s lineup features giants such as Black Dyke, Grimethorpe Colliery, Cory, as well as Flowers, who are the current European Champions.

Steeped in history, this acclaimed and culturally significant event blends fierce competition with deep camaraderie, with many enduring friendships and relationships having been forged through years of shared passion and performance in this competition.

This year’s set test-piece, A Road Less Travelled By, is written by Philip Sparke, one of brass banding’s foremost composers. Fittingly, in his 75th birthday year, his music will take centre stage at this prestigious competition.